"Did he make off in that direction?"
"Yes, sir."
"You tried to stop him, of course?"
"I did."
"What did he do?"
"Why, just knocked me clean down the stairs, that's all."
"You were there, then, when he came down."
"Yes; but I didn't feel much like stopping him just then."
"I suppose not. Well, Quackenbush, clear the room, and let Crowley go for a doctor. Frank, you stay here. This man is quite as important a prisoner as either Chamberlain or Taylor."
The wounded man slightly raised his head and pricked up his ears, at this announcement.